UIHC patient accused of threatening another patient with a knife, then cutting a security officer

Lang
2/18/25

A patient at University of Iowa Health Care is accused of threatening another patient with a knife, then using it to cut a security guard.

UI Police say at about 10:45 Monday night 43-year-old Andres Diaz of Fort Madison was drinking vodka inside the Hawkins Drive facility when he pulled a knife from his pants and threatened to stab another patient who did not know him. A hospital security guard tried to disarm Diaz and was cut in the process.

Diaz reportedly showed signs of intoxication and refused breath testing. He’s charged with Assault While Displaying a Dangerous Weapon and Public Intoxication. If convicted on both counts, he faces a maximum of 25 months in jail.